The Biting Wind of McKane

Glenrothes started their 2023 season with the relatively short trip to McKane Park in Dunfermline to play in a 30 overs-a-side friendly against Dunfermline & Carnegie.

Given all the rain over recent times and the green-top pitch shown on social media, it was a surprise to find a really firm pitch. All credit to the McKane Park grounds team for their efforts and in getting the outfield looking great also.

With D&C skipper Leitch winning the toss and choosing to bat, it was young Gladiator Ben Krzyzanowski to take first dibs with the ball. He was to go without reward, as did Kevin Le Roux at the other end despite a number of close chances, and so it was over to debutant Urvish Patel to take the first wicket - trapping Leitch LBW for 6.

Fellow opener Spreng was looking in good form, and joined by young Wood who despite some early nerves soon found his batting confidence. Both were to go on to retire having reached 30.

Glenrothes had been showing good focus in the field and they were to be soon rewarded with two run-outs - Mayank Sautiyal claiming the first with a smart bit of fielding to get the ball back to keeper Paul Culleton. But it was Le Roux to take the run-out plaudits with an outstanding stop from the powerful Xavier and with confusion between the batters it was to be young Dejesh, who had looked very solid up to that point, left stranded.

There was to be one last wicket to fall, as young debutant Haris Khan saw Cox try to hit one too many to fall to a well taken catch on the square leg boundary by Sautiyal. Dunfermline & Carnegie finishing their 30 overs on 155 for 5.

Opening the second innings for Glenrothes was Dave Snook and Sautiyal, and after a couple of cracking cut shots and seeing off the openers, it was to be Snook to fall first - bowled by young Dejesh.

Sautiyal, taking his time to get used to the pace of the pitch was joined by Patel and both consolidated well. Sautiyal soon started to build his confidence and run through his shots before retiring on 33.

With the change bowlers getting a bit profligate with wides, it was the surprise straight ball which was to be the undoing of many Glenrothes players. When Patel was trapped LBW by Cox for 19, the runs started to dry up with good bowling from D&C and it was left to Joe Burton and Ravi Coppisetty to see off the last 9 overs and leading Glenrothes to a final score of 104 for 5 from their 30 overs.

It was a perfect pre-season friendly for both sides, many players getting through some bowling overs and spending time batting in the middle - only downside was the cold wind! For Glenrothes, there was lots of positives to take including the excellent debuts from Patel and Khan and the commitment shown from everyone in the field and throughout the game.

Otherwise, it's a massive thanks to all Dunfermline & Carnegie for hosting us and we look forward to meeting you again hopefully later in the summer for a social T20 match (or more).